Foldable device and method of controlling the same

ABSTRACT

A foldable device and a method of controlling the same are provided. The foldable device includes: a flexible display which includes a main display area and an edge display area; and a controller which is configured to determine, based on an angle at which the foldable device is unfolded, a range of a partial activation area of the main display area, wherein the range of the partial activation area is partially bounded by a boundary between the edge display area and the main display area.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.62/097,223, filed on Dec. 29, 2014, in the U.S. Patent and TrademarkOffice, and priority from Korean Patent Application No. 10-2015-0031966,filed on Mar. 6, 2015, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, thedisclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in theirrespective entireties.

BACKGROUND

1. Field

Apparatuses and methods consistent with exemplary embodiments relate toa foldable device and a method of controlling the same, and moreparticularly, to a foldable device that includes a flexible display unitand controls an activation of the flexible display unit when thefoldable device is unfolded, and a method of controlling the foldabledevice.

2. Description of the Related Art

As developments in display technology advance, various displayapparatuses, such as flexible displays or transparent displays, arebeing developed. Since a user may fold or unfold a device that includesa flexible display based on a circumstance of using the device, a volumeof the device may be significantly reduced.

A flexible display may be implemented in the form of an organiclight-emitting display (OLED), a liquid-crystal display (LCD), or thelike. For example, a flexible display may be manufactured by using aflexible material for the LCD or the organic light-emitting display, forexample, by substituting an organic substrate with a plastic film.Additionally, a foldable device may be manufactured by using a flexiblematerial for at least a part, which may be folded, in the LCD or theorganic light-emitting display.

As a flexible display is used, various fields to which the flexibledisplay may be applicable are emerging. For example, a flexible displaymay be applied to a field of electronic books that may substitute forpublications such as magazines, textbooks, books, or cartoons, or afield of new portable information technology (IT) products, such as asubminiature personal computer (PC) that may be carried by folding orrolling a display or a smart card for checking information in real time.Thus, there is a demand for development of an interface in whichcharacteristics of a flexible display which are reflective of theflexible display are employed.

SUMMARY

Exemplary embodiments provide a foldable device that includes a flexibledisplay unit that is configured to control an activation of the flexibledisplay unit as the foldable device is unfolded, and a method ofcontrolling the foldable device.

Additional aspects will be set forth in part in the description whichfollows and, in part, will be apparent from the description, or may belearned by practice of the presented exemplary embodiments.

According to an aspect of an exemplary embodiment, a foldable deviceincludes: a flexible display which includes a main display area and anedge display area; and a controller configured to determine a range of apartial activation area of the main display area, which is partiallybounded by a boundary between the edge display area and the main displayarea, based on an angle at which the foldable device is unfolded.

The controller may be further configured to activate the edge displayarea in response to the angle at which the foldable device is unfoldedbeing greater than or equal to a predetermined first angle with respectto a state of being folded, and to activate a portion of the maindisplay area in response to the angle at which the foldable device isunfolded being greater than or equal to a predetermined second angle,and to expand the range of the partial activation area of the maindisplay area, in response to the angle at which the foldable device isunfolded being increased.

The controller may be further configured to display a first content onthe edge display area and to display detailed content, which is relatedto the first content displayed on the edge display area, on theactivated portion of the main display area.

The controller may be further configured to adjust at least one fromamong a type, an amount, and an attribute of content that is to bedisplayed on the activated portion of the main display area, based onthe range of the partial activation area of the main display area.

The controller may be further configured to activate an entirety of themain display area in response to the angle at which the foldable deviceis unfolded being greater than or equal to a predetermined third angle.

The flexible display may further include a plurality of edge displayareas, and the controller may be further configured to determine alocation from which an activated portion of the main display areastarts, based on a direction in which a user views the foldable device.

The flexible display may further include a plurality of edge displayareas, and the controller may be further configured to determine atleast one edge display area that is to be activated, from among theplurality of edge display areas, based on an angle at which the foldabledevice is inclined while in a state of being folded and a direction inwhich a user views the foldable device.

The controller may be further configured to activate the edge displayarea if at least one from among a plurality of events including amessage reception, a call reception, and an alarm is generated.

The edge display area may include a display area that is exposed to anoutside while the foldable device is folded.

According to an aspect of an exemplary embodiment, a method forcontrolling a foldable device that includes a flexible display includinga main display area and an edge display area, the method including:sensing an angle at which the foldable device is unfolded; anddetermining a range of a partial activation area of the main displayarea, which is partially bounded by a boundary between the edge displayarea and the main display area, based on the sensed angle at which thefoldable device is unfolded.

The method may further include: activating the edge display area inresponse to the sensed angle at which the foldable device is unfoldedbeing greater than or equal to a predetermined first angle with respectto a state of being folded; activating a portion of the main displayarea in response to the sensed angle at which the foldable device isunfolded being greater than or equal to a predetermined second angle;and expanding the range of the partial activation area of the maindisplay area, in response to the sensed angle at which the foldabledevice is unfolded being increased.

The method may further include: displaying first content on the edgedisplay area; and displaying detailed content, which is related to thefirst content displayed on the edge display area, on the activatedportion of the main display area.

The determining the range of the partial activation area of the maindisplay area may include adjusting at least one from among a type, anamount, and an attribute of content that is to be displayed on thepartial activation area, based on the range of the partial activationarea.

The method may further include activating an entirety of the maindisplay area in response to the sensed angle at which the foldabledevice is unfolded being greater than or equal to a predetermined thirdangle.

The flexible display may further include a plurality of edge displayareas, and the determining the range of the partial activation area ofthe main display area may include a plurality of edge display areas,determining a location from which an activated portion of the maindisplay area starts, according to a direction in which a user views thefoldable device.

The flexible display may further include a plurality of edge displayareas, and the method may further include determining at least one edgedisplay area that is to be activated, from among the plurality of edgedisplay areas, based on an angle at which the foldable device isinclined while in a state of being folded and a direction in which auser views the foldable device.

The method may further include activating the edge display area inresponse to at least one of a message reception, a call reception, andan alarm being generated.

The edge display area may include a display area that is exposed to anoutside while the foldable device is folded.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and/or other aspects will become apparent and more readilyappreciated from the following description of the exemplary embodiments,taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C illustrate schematic diagrams of a foldable device,according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate block diagrams of the foldable device,according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate flowcharts of a method for controlling thefoldable device, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 6 illustrates a diagram for explaining a configuration of aflexible display unit, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIGS. 7, 8A, 8B, 8C, 9A, 9B, 9C, 10A, 10B, 11A, and 11B illustratediagrams for explaining an example of expanding a range of a floatingdisplay area as an angle at which the foldable device is unfolded isincreased, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIGS. 12A, 12B, 13A, 13B, and 13C illustrate diagrams for explaining anexample of displaying an edge display area as an angle at which thefoldable device is unfolded is increased, according to an exemplaryembodiment;

FIG. 14 illustrates a flowchart of a method for controlling a floatingdisplay area based on a direction in which a user views the foldabledevice, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIGS. 15A, 15B, and 15C illustrate diagrams for explaining a method forcontrolling a floating display area based on a direction in which a userviews the foldable device, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 16 illustrates a flowchart of a method for controlling an edgedisplay area based on a direction in which a user views the foldabledevice, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIGS. 17A, 17B, and 17C illustrate diagrams for explaining a method forcontrolling an edge display area based on a direction in which a userviews the foldable device, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIGS. 18A and 18B illustrate diagrams for explaining a method forcontrolling an edge display area based on a direction in which thefoldable device faces, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIGS. 19A, 19B, and 20 illustrate diagrams for explaining an example oftouch recognition in an edge display area, according to an exemplaryembodiment;

FIG. 21 illustrates a diagram for explaining an example of a device thatis equipped with a foldable cover, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIGS. 22A, 22B, and 23 illustrate diagrams for explaining an example ofperforming displaying on the display unit based on a gesture ofunfolding the foldable device; and

FIGS. 24A, 24B, and 25 illustrate diagrams for explaining an example ofunlocking the display unit based on a gesture of unfolding the foldabledevice.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary embodiments, examplesof which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein likereference numerals refer to like elements throughout. In this regard,the present exemplary embodiments may have different forms and shouldnot be construed as being limited to the descriptions set forth herein.Accordingly, the exemplary embodiments are merely described below, byreferring to the figures, to explain aspects of the present inventiveconcept. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and allcombinations of one or more of the associated listed items. Expressionssuch as “at least one of,” when preceding a list of elements, modify theentire list of elements and do not modify the individual elements of thelist.

The present inventive concept will now be described more fully withreference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodimentsof the present inventive concept are shown. The present inventiveconcept may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should notbe construed as being limited to the exemplary embodiments set forthherein. In the description of the present inventive concept, certaindetailed explanations of the related art are omitted when it is deemedthat they may unnecessarily obscure the essence of the present inventiveconcept. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout the descriptionof the figures.

A purpose, advantages, and features of the present inventive conceptwill become apparent from the following detailed description. However,as the present inventive concept allows for various changes and numerousembodiments, exemplary embodiments will be illustrated in the drawingsand described in detail in the written description. Like referencenumerals in the drawings denote like elements. In the description of thepresent inventive concept, certain detailed explanations of well-knownfunctions or configurations are omitted when it is deemed that they mayunnecessarily obscure the essence of the present inventive concept.Additionally, it will be understood that, although the terms, ‘first’,‘second’, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, theseelements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only usedto distinguish one element from another.

Hereinafter, a foldable device according to one or more exemplaryembodiments will be described in detail with reference to the attacheddrawings. Terms such as “ . . . unit” and “ . . . module,” are used inthe following description in consideration of only ease of drafting ofthe specification, and thus do not have distinct meanings or roles inthemselves.

A foldable device 100 may include any of a smartphone, a tablet personalcomputer (PC), a laptop computer, an electronic book, a wearable device,a digital broadcasting terminal, a personal digital assistance (PDA), aportable multimedia player (PMP), a navigation system, or the like.However, according to exemplary embodiments, it will be understood byone of ordinary skill in the art that a configuration of the foldabledevice 100 may be also applied to a fixed terminal, such as a digitalTV, a desktop computer, or the like except when the configuration may beonly applied to a mobile terminal.

It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being“connected to” or “coupled to” another element, it may be “directlyconnected or coupled” to the other element, or “electrically connectedto” the other element with intervening elements therebetween. It will befurther understood that the terms “comprises”, “comprising”, “includes”,and/or “including” when used herein, specify the presence of components,but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more othercomponents, unless otherwise specified.

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments will be described in detail withreference to the attached drawings.

FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C illustrate schematic diagrams of the foldabledevice 100, according to an exemplary embodiment.

The foldable device 100, described herein, may include a flexibledisplay unit (also referred to herein as a “flexible display device”and/or a “flexible display”) 115.

The foldable device 100, which includes the flexible display unit 115,may be folded when the foldable device 100 is bent with reference to anarbitrary line that may be drawn on the flexible display unit 115, andthus, both surfaces that are obtained when the flexible display unit 115is bent and face each other, approach to within a close proximity ofeach other, and are almost in parallel with each other.

FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C illustrate examples of the foldable device 100according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 1A shows an example of astate when the foldable device 100 is folded. FIG. 1B shows an exampleof a state when the foldable device 100 is unfolded at a certain angle.FIG. 1C shows an example of a state when the foldable device 100 isunfolded to a maximum.

FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C illustrate examples of the foldable device 100.However, the foldable device 100 is not limited thereto. For example,the foldable device 100 may be implemented in the form of a laptopcomputer, a tablet PC, or the like.

FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate block diagrams of the foldable device 100,according to an exemplary embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 2, the foldable device 100 may include the flexibledisplay unit 115 (also referred to herein as a “flexible display”) and acontroller 180. However, all elements, shown in FIG. 2, are notessential elements. The foldable device 100 may be implemented by usingmore or less elements than those shown in FIG. 2.

For example, according to an exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3,the foldable device 100 may further include a video processing unit(also referred to herein as a “video processor”) 110, an audioprocessing unit (also referred to herein as an “audio processor”) 120,an audio output unit (also referred to herein as an “audio outputdevice” and/or as a “speaker”) 125, a power unit (also referred toherein as a “power supplier”) 130, a tuner 135, a sensing unit (alsoreferred to herein as a “sensor”) 140, a communication unit (alsoreferred to herein as a “communicator”) 150, a detection unit (alsoreferred to herein as a “detector”) 160, an input/output unit (alsoreferred to herein as an “input/output device”) 170, and a storage unit(also referred to herein as a “storage device” and/or as a “storage”)190.

Hereinafter, the elements will be described.

The video processing unit 110 processes video data received by thedevice 100. The video processing unit 110 may perform any of variousimage processing functions, such as, for example, decoding, scaling,noise filtering, frame rate conversion, resolution conversion, or thelike with respect to the video data.

The flexible display unit 115 may display video data included in abroadcasting signal received via the tuner 135, according to control bythe controller 180. Additionally, the flexible display unit 115 maydisplay content (for example, moving images) input via the communicationunit 150 and/or via the input/output unit 170. The flexible display unit115 may output an image stored in the storage unit 190 according tocontrol by the controller 180. Additionally, the flexible display unit115 may display a voice user interface (UI) for performing a voicerecognition task that corresponds to voice recognition (for example, avoice UI that includes a voice command language guide) or a motion UIfor performing a motion recognition task that corresponds to motionrecognition (for example, a motion UI that includes a user motion guideconfigured for motion recognition).

According to an exemplary embodiment, the flexible display unit 115 mayconsist of a main display area, a floating display area included in themain display area, and an edge display area. Each display area will bedescribed in detail with reference to FIG. 6.

According to an exemplary embodiment, a range of the floating displayarea, which starts from a boundary between the edge display area and themain display area, may be determined based on an angle at which thefoldable device 100 is unfolded, according to control by the controller180.

Additionally, according to an exemplary embodiment, if an angle at whichthe foldable device 100 is unfolded is greater than or equal to apredetermined first angle with respect to a state of being folded, theedge display area may be activated according to control by thecontroller 180.

According to an exemplary embodiment, if an angle at which the foldabledevice 100 is unfolded is greater than or equal to a predeterminedsecond angle, the floating display area may be activated according tocontrol by the controller 180.

According to an exemplary embodiment, if an angle at which the foldabledevice 100 is unfolded is increased, a range of the floating displayarea may be expanded according to control by the controller 180.

According to an exemplary embodiment, if an angle at which the foldabledevice 100 is unfolded is greater than or equal to a predetermined thirdangle or greater, the main display area that includes the floatingdisplay area may be activated according to control by the controller180.

According to an exemplary embodiment, a surface of the edge display areamay be bent at a certain angle or greater with respect to a surface ofthe floating display area.

The audio processing unit 120 processes audio data. The audio processingunit 120 may perform any of various processing functions, such as, forexample, decoding, amplification, or noise filtering with respect toaudio data. The audio processing unit 120 may include a plurality ofaudio processing modules which are configured for processing audio datathat corresponds to a plurality of pieces of content.

The audio output unit 125 outputs audio data included in a broadcastingsignal received from the tuner 135, according to control by thecontroller 180. The audio output unit 125 may output audio data (forexample, voice or sound) input via the communication unit 150 and/or viathe input/output unit 170. Additionally, the audio output unit 125 mayoutput audio data stored in the storage unit 190 according to control bythe controller 180. The audio output unit 125 may include at least oneselected from the group consisting of a speaker 126, a headphone outputterminal 127, and/or a Sony/Philips digital interface (S/PDIF) outputterminal 128. The audio output unit 125 may also include a combinationof the speaker 126, the headphone output terminal 127, and the S/PDIFoutput terminal 128.

The power unit 130 supplies power input from an external power source tothe elements 110 through 190 included in the foldable device 100,according to control by the controller 180. Additionally, the power unit130 may supply power which is output from one or more batteries (notshown) located inside the foldable device 100 to the elements 110through 190 included in the foldable device 100, according to control bythe controller 180.

The tuner 135 may tune and select only a frequency in a channel which isto be received by the foldable device 100, from among radio waveelements, by performing amplification, mixing, and/or resonating abroadcasting signal that is received via a wire or wirelessly. Thebroadcast signal includes any of audio data, video data, and/oradditional information (for example, an electronic program guide (EPG)).

The tuner 135 may receive a broadcast signal in a frequency band thatcorresponds to a channel number (for example, a cable TV channel number506) according to a user input (for example, an input of a controlsignal received from a control apparatus, such as a channel numberinput, a channel-up or down input, or a channel input on an EPG screen).

The tuner 135 may receive a broadcast signal from any of various sourcessuch as a terrestrial broadcasting station, a cable broadcastingstation, a satellite broadcasting station, or an internet broadcastingsource. The tuner 135 may receive a broadcast signal from a source, suchas an analog broadcasting station or a digital broadcasting station. Thebroadcast signal received via the tuner 135 is decoded (for example,audio-decoded, video-decoded, and/or additional information-decoded),and thus, separated as audio data, video data, and/or additionalinformation. The separated audio data, video data, and/or additionalinformation may be stored in the storage unit 190 according to controlby the controller 180.

Additionally, one or more tuners 135 may be present in the device 100.The tuner 135 may be implemented as any of an all-in-one tuner, aseparate device that includes a tuner that is electrically connected tothe device 100 (for example, a set-top box (not shown)), or a tuner (notshown) that is connected to the input/output unit 170.

The sensing unit 140 may detect a state of the device 100 or a statewithin a close proximity to the device 100 and transmit information,obtained as a result of the detecting, to the controller 130. Thesensing unit 140 may include at least one selected from the groupconsisting of a magnetic sensor 141, an acceleration sensor 142, atemperature/humidity sensor 143, an infrared sensor 144, a gyroscopesensor 145, a location (for example, a global positioning system (GPS))sensor 146, a barometric pressure sensor 147, a proximity sensor 148,and a red-green-blue (RGB) sensor (illuminance sensor) 149, but is notlimited thereto. Functions of the respective sensors may be inferredfrom the name of the sensors by those of ordinary skill in the art.Thus, a detailed description thereof will not be provided here.

Additionally, the sensing unit 140 may include a sensor which isconfigured for detecting a touch input by an input tool or a sensorwhich is configured for detecting a touch input by a user. In this case,the sensor configured for detecting a touch input by the user may beincluded in a touchscreen or a touchpad. Additionally, the sensorconfigured for detecting a touch input by an input tool may be locatedbelow a touchscreen or a touchpad or included in a touchscreen or atouchpad.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the sensing unit 140 may sense anangle at which the foldable device 100 is unfolded.

Additionally, according to an exemplary embodiment, the sensing unit 140may sense a direction in which a user views the foldable device 100.

Additionally, according to an exemplary embodiment, the sensing unit 140may sense an angle at which the foldable device 100 is inclined while ina state of being folded.

The communication unit 150 may connect the foldable device 100 to anexternal apparatus (for example, an audio apparatus or the like)according to control by the controller 180. The controller 180 maytransmit and/or receive (transceive) content to/from the externalapparatus connected via the communication unit 150, and thus, downloadan application from the external apparatus and/or perform web browsing.

The communication unit 150 may include at least one selected from thegroup consisting of a wireless local area network (LAN) 151, Bluetooth152, and a wired Ethernet 153. The communication unit 150 may alsoinclude a combination thereof.

Additionally, the communication unit 150 may include any of a Bluetoothlow energy (BLE) communication unit, a near-field communication unit, awireless local area network (WLAN) Wi-Fi communication unit, a Zigbeecommunication unit, an infrared Data Association (IrDA) communicationunit, a Wi-Fi Direct (WFD) communication unit, a ultra wideband (UWB)communication unit, and/or an Ant+ communication unit, but is notlimited thereto.

The communication unit 150 may transceive a wireless signal with atleast one selected from the group consisting of a base station, anexternal terminal, and a server on a mobile communication network. Thewireless signal may include any of a voice call signal, a video phonecall signal or various forms of data used to transceive text ormultimedia messages.

Additionally, the communication unit 150 may include a broadcastingreceiving unit which is configured for receiving broadcasting signalsand/or broadcasting-related information from the outside via abroadcasting channel. The broadcasting channel may include, for example,a satellite channel or a terrestrial broadcast channel.

Additionally, the communication unit 150 may receive a control signalfrom an external control apparatus according to control by thecontroller 180. The control signal may be implemented as any of aBluetooth type, a radio frequency (RF) signal type, and/or a WiFi type.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the communication unit 150 maycommunicate with an external audio device according to control by thecontroller 115. According to an exemplary embodiment, the communicationunit 150 may include a BLE communication unit and/or a WLAN (WiFi)communication unit, and transceive a certain control signal with theexternal audio device that is located within a certain distance.

The detection unit 160 detects a voice and/or an image of a user or aninteraction of the user.

A microphone 161 receives an uttered voice signal from a user. Themicrophone 161 may convert the received voice into an electrical signal,and output the voice to the controller 180. The voice signal of the usermay include, for example, a voice signal that corresponds to a menu or afunction of the foldable device 100. A distance of 4 meters or less fromthe microphone 161 to a location of a user is recommended as a range ofvoice recognition with respect to the microphone 161. The range of voicerecognition with respect to the microphone 161 may vary incorrespondence with a volume of the voice of the user and a surroundingenvironment of the user (for example, sound of a speaker or nearbynoise).

The microphone 161 may be implemented as one body or a separate bodywith respect to the foldable device 100. The microphone 161, whenimplemented as a separate body with respect to the foldable device 100,may be electrically connected to the foldable device 100 via thecommunication unit 150 or the input/output unit 170.

It will be easily understood by those of ordinary skill in the art thatthe microphone 161 may not be included in the foldable device 100according to performance or a structure of the foldable device 100.

A camera unit 162 may consist of a lens (not shown) and an image sensor(not shown). The camera unit 162 may support an optical zoom functionand/or a digital zoom function by using a plurality of lenses and imageprocessing. A range of recognition with respect to the camera unit 162may vary in correspondence with an angle of view with a camera and acondition of a surrounding environment. If the camera unit 162 consistsof a plurality of cameras, a three-dimensional (3D) still image or a 3Dmotion image may be received by using the plurality of cameras.

The camera unit 162 may be implemented as one body or a separate bodywith respect to the foldable device 100. An additional device (notshown) that includes a separate camera unit 162 may be electricallyconnected to the foldable device 100 via the communication unit 150 orthe input/output unit 170.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the camera unit 162 may sense adirection in which a user views the foldable device 100.

It will be easily understood by those of ordinary skill in the art thatthe camera unit 162 may not be included in the foldable device 100according to performance or a structure of the foldable device 100.

An optical receiving unit (also referred to herein as an “opticalreceiver”) 163 receives an optical signal (which includes a controlsignal) received from an external control apparatus via an opticalwindow (not shown) in a bezel of the flexible display unit 115 or thelike. The optical receiving unit 163 may receive an optical signal thatcorresponds to a user input (for example, a touch, push, a touchgesture, voice or a motion) from an external control apparatus. Acontrol signal may be extracted from the received optical signalaccording to control by the controller 180.

The input/output unit 170 receives any of video data (for example,moving pictures or the like), audio data (for example, voice, music, orthe like), and/or additional information (for example, an EPG) accordingto control by the controller 180. The input/output unit 170 may includeat least one from among a high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI)port 171, a component jack 172, a PC port 173, and a universal serialbus (USB) port 174. The input/output unit 170 may also include acombination of the HDMI port 171, the component jack 172, the PC port173, and the USB port 174.

It will be easily understood by those of ordinary skill in the art thatperformance or a structure of the input/output unit 170 may varyaccording to exemplary embodiments.

The controller 180 controls all operations of the foldable device 100and a signal flow between the elements 110 through 190 included in thefoldable device 100, and processes data. If a user input is presentand/or a predetermined and stored condition is satisfied, the controller180 may execute an operating system (OS) or any of various applicationsstored in the storage unit 190.

The controller 180 may include a random access memory (RAM) 181 thatstores a signal or data input from outside of the foldable device 100 oris used as a storage area that corresponds to various work functionsperformed by the foldable device 100, a read-only memory (ROM) 182 thatstores a control program for controlling the foldable device 100, and aprocessor 183.

The processor 183 may include a graphic processing unit (GPU) (notshown) for performing graphic processing in correspondence with videodata. The processor 183 may be implemented as a system-on-chip (SoC) inwhich a core (not shown) and the GPU (not shown) are integrated. Theprocessor 183 may include any of a single-core processor, a dual-coreprocessor, a triple-core processor, a quad-core processor, or amultiple-core processor.

Additionally, the processor 183 may include a plurality of processors.For example, the processor 183 may be implemented as a main processor(not shown) or a sub-processor (not shown) that operates in a sleepmode.

The GPU 184 generates a screen that includes various objects such as anicon, an image or text by using a calculation unit (also referred toherein as a “calculator”) (not shown) and a rendering unit (alsoreferred to herein as a “renderer”) (not shown). The calculation unitcalculates an attribute value of each object to be displayed, such as acoordinate value, a shape, a size, and/or a color of each object, byusing user interaction detected by the detection unit 160 according to alayout of a screen. The rendering unit generates a screen of variouslayouts that includes an object, based on the attribute value calculatedby the calculation unit. A screen generated by the rendering unit isdisplayed on a display area of the flexible display unit 115.

First through nth interfaces 185-1 through 185-n are connected to theelements described above. One of the first through nth interfaces 185-1through 185-n may be a network interface which is connected to anexternal apparatus via a network.

The RAM 181, the ROM 182, the processor 183, the GPU 184, and the firstthrough nth interfaces 185-1 through 185-n may be connected to eachother via an internal bus 186.

In the current embodiment, a term “controller” may include the RAM 181,the ROM 182, and the processor 183.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the controller 180 included in thefoldable device 100 may determine a range of a floating display area,which starts from a boundary between an edge display area and a maindisplay area, according to an angle at which the foldable device 100 isunfolded.

Additionally, according to an exemplary embodiment, the controller 180included in the foldable device 100 may activate the edge display areaif an angle at which the foldable device 100 is unfolded is greater thanor equal to a predetermined first angle with respect to a state of beingfolded.

Additionally, if an angle at which the foldable device 100 is unfoldedis greater than or equal to a predetermined second angle, the controller180 may activate the floating display area.

Additionally, if an angle at which the foldable device 100 is unfoldedis increased, the controller 180 may expand a range of the floatingdisplay area.

Additionally, if an angle at which the foldable device 100 is unfoldedis greater than or equal to a predetermined third angle or greater, thecontroller 180 may activate the main display area that includes thefloating display area.

Additionally, the controller 180 may adjust at least one selected fromthe group consisting of a type, an amount, and an attribute of contentthat is to be displayed on the floating display area, according to arange of the floating display area.

Additionally, the controller unit 180 may determine a location fromwhich the floating display area included in the main display areastarts, based on a direction in which a user views the foldable device100.

If the flexible display unit 115 includes a plurality of edge displayareas, the controller 180 may determine at least one edge display areathat is to be activated from among the plurality of edge display areas,based on an angle at which the foldable device 100 is inclined and adirection in which a user views the foldable device 100 when thefoldable device 100 is folded.

Additionally, if at least one event selected from the group consistingof a message reception, a call reception, and an alarm is generated, thecontroller 180 may activate the edge display area.

It will be easily understood by those of ordinary skill in the art thata configuration and an operation of the controller 180 may varyaccording to exemplary embodiments.

The storage unit 190 may store any of various data, programs orapplications for driving and controlling the foldable device 100according to control by the controller 180. The storage unit 190 maystore a signal and/or data input/output in correspondence with drivingof the video processing unit 110, the flexible display unit 115, theaudio processing unit 120, the audio output unit 125, the power unit130, the tuner 140, the communication unit 150, the detection unit 160,and the input/output unit 170. The storage unit 190 may store any one ormore of a control program for controlling the foldable device 100 andthe controller 180, an application provided as a bundle by amanufacturer or downloaded from outside, a graphical user interface(GUI) related to the application, an object for providing the GUI (forexample, image text, an icon, a button, or the like), user information,a document, databases, and/or relevant data.

According to an exemplary embodiment, a term “storage unit” includes thestorage unit 190, the ROM 182 or the RAM 181 included in the controller180, or a memory card (for example, a micro secure digital (SD) or a USBmemory, not shown). Additionally, the storage unit 190 may include anyof a non-volatile memory, a volatile memory, a hard disk drive (HDD),and/or a solid-state drive (SSD).

The storage unit 190 may include any of a broadcasting receiving module,a channel control module, a volume control module, a communicationcontrol module, a voice recognition module, a motion recognition module,an optical receiving module, a display control module, an audio controlmodule, an external input control module, a power control module, apower control module configured for controlling an external apparatusthat is wirelessly connected (for example, via Bluetooth) to thefoldable device 100, a voice database (DB), and/or a motion DB which arenot shown in the drawing. The modules and the databases included in thestorage unit 190, which are not shown, may be implemented in the form ofsoftware so as to perform a broadcast reception control function, achannel control function, a volume control function, a communicationcontrol function, a voice recognition function, a motion recognitionfunction, an optical reception control function, a display controlfunction, an audio control function, an external input control function,a power control function, or a function of controlling power of anexternal apparatus that is wirelessly connected (for example, viaBluetooth) to the foldable device 100. The control unit 180 may performeach function by using the software stored in the storage unit 190.

Additionally, the foldable device 100 which includes the flexibledisplay unit 115 may be electrically connected to a separate externalapparatus which includes a tuner (for example, a set-top box, notshown). For example, it may be easily understood by those of ordinaryskill in the art that the foldable device 100 may be implemented as anyof an analog television (TV), a digital TV, a 3D TV, a smart TV, alight-emitting diode (LED) TV, an organic light-emitting diode (OLED)TV, a plasma TV, a monitor, and/or the like, but is not limited thereto.

At least one selected from the elements shown respect to the foldabledevice 100 (for example, the elements 110 through 190) may be furtherincluded or may not be included in the foldable device 100, shown inFIG. 3, according to performance of the foldable device 100.Additionally, it will be easily understood by those of ordinary skill inthe art that a location of the elements (for example, the elements 110through 190) may be changed according to performance or a structure ofthe foldable device 100.

FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate a flowchart of a method for controlling thefoldable device 100, according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 6illustrates a diagram for explaining a configuration of the flexibledisplay unit 115, according to an exemplary embodiment. FIGS. 7, 8A, 8B,8C, 9A, 9B, 9C, 10A, 10B, 11A, and 11B illustrate diagrams forexplaining an example of expanding a range of a floating display area asan angle at which the foldable device is unfolded is increased,according to an exemplary embodiment.

According to an exemplary embodiment, as the foldable device 100 isgradually unfolded from a state of being folded, the foldable device 100may activate a partial area of a main display area, which starts from anedge display area and may be viewed by a user (hereinafter, forconvenience of description, referred to as a “floating display area”),and provide certain content. Each display area will be described indetail below with reference to FIG. 6.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the foldable device 100 mayvariably adjust the partial area that is activated based on an angle atwhich the foldable device is unfolded (hereinafter, referred to as a“floating display area”), and sequentially provide an increasingly largeamount of relevant content based on a range of the floating displayarea, which is gradually expanded in accordance with an increase in theangle at which the foldable device is unfolded.

Referring to FIG. 4, in operation S101, the controller 180 included inthe foldable device 100 may sense an angle at which the foldable device100 is unfolded.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the controller 180 included in thefoldable device 100 may sense an angle at which the foldable device 100is unfolded, via the sensing unit 140 that includes the magnetic sensor141, the acceleration sensor 142, the gyroscope sensor 145, or the like.

In operation S102 as illustrated in FIG. 4, the controller 180 includedin the foldable device 100 may determine a range of a partial activationarea that starts from a boundary between an edge display area and a maindisplay area and is activated (hereinafter, the “floating display area”)from within the main display area, based on an angle at which thefoldable device is unfolded.

Referring to FIG. 6, the flexible display unit 115 may consist of a maindisplay area a3, a floating display area a2, and an edge display areaa1. A name of each display area is provided for convenience ofdescription, and does not refer to a limited area.

The “main display area” a3 may refer to an entirety of an area that islocated at both surfaces that face each other when the foldable device100 is folded, from within an area of the flexible display unit 115.Accordingly, the main display area a3 may refer to an area that is notexposed to the outside when the foldable device 100 is folded.

The edge display area a1 is a display area that is located on at leastone edge surface from among left, right, upper, and lower edge surfacesof the foldable device 100. The edge display area a1 may refer to anarea that is exposed to the outside when the foldable device 100 isfolded.

The edge display area a1 may be physically located at a surface thatextends from the main display area a3. The flexible display unit 115that is flexible may be bent at a certain angle or greater at a boundarybetween the main display area a3 and the edge display area a1. The“floating display area” a2 is a partial area of the main display areaa3, and may refer to a partial activation area that is activated basedon an angle at which the foldable device 100 is unfolded. The floatingdisplay area a2 may start from a boundary between the edge display areaa1 and the main display area a3.

A range of the floating display area a2 may vary based on an angle atwhich the foldable device 100 is unfolded. The floating display area a2is an area that is activated when an angle at which the foldable device100 is unfolded is greater than or equal to a certain angle. If an angleat which the foldable device 100 is unfolded is 0°, that is, if thefoldable device 100 is in a state of being folded, a floating displayarea may not be generated. Additionally, if the angle at which thefoldable device 100 is unfolded is increased, the controller 180 mayexpand a range of the floating display area (refer to operation S204that is to be described below with reference to FIG. 6).

In this aspect, the controller 180 included in the foldable device 100may determine a range of the floating display area based on an angle atwhich the foldable device 100 is unfolded.

FIG. 5 illustrates a flowchart that relates to an activation of eachdisplay area.

In operation S201 as illustrated in FIG. 5, if an angle at which thefoldable device 100 is unfolded is greater than or equal to apredetermined first angle with respect to being folded, the controller180 included in the foldable device 100 may activate an edge displayarea.

Referring to view (a) of FIG. 7, when the foldable device 100 is folded,an edge display area a1 may be in a deactivation state.

The term “deactivation state” refers to a state when the flexibledisplay unit 115 is turned off, and a state when the flexible displayunit 115 may be turned on if a preset trigger (for example, a generationof a new event such as an input of a key provided outside the foldabledevice 100, a message reception, and/or a preset alarm) is generated.

Referring to view (b) of FIG. 7, as the foldable device 100 is unfoldedfrom a state of being folded, the controller 180 may activate the edgedisplay area a1. For example, if an angle at which the foldable device100 is unfolded is greater than or equal to a predetermined angle (forexample, 0°θ≦10°) the controller 180 may activate the edge display areaa1.

When each display area is “activated,” a wallpaper that is preset as adefault may be displayed. Additionally, if a display area is “activated”when a particular event is generated, a screen indicating the generatedparticular event may be displayed. If a display area is “activated” whena particular application is executed, an execution screen that relatesto the particular application may be displayed.

In particular, an “activation” state of a display area may refer to astate that exists when certain content is displayed on the display area.

As another example, if a new event (for example, a message reception, acall reception, or the like) is generated when the foldable device 100is folded as shown in view (a) of FIG. 7, the controller 180 mayactivate the edge display area a1.

In operation S202 as illustrated in FIG. 5, if an angle at whichfoldable device 100 is unfolded is greater than or equal to apredetermined second angle, the controller 180 included in the device100 may activate a partial area (i.e., “a floating display area”) of amain display area. For example, as shown in view (c) of FIG. 7, if thefoldable device is unfolded at an angle that is greater than apredetermined second angle (for example, 10°<θ), the controller 180 mayactivate the floating display area a2.

In operation S203 as illustrated in FIG. 5, the controller 180 includedin the device 100 may determine whether an angle at which the foldabledevice 100 is unfolded is increased.

In operation S204 as illustrated in FIG. 5, if the controller 180determines via the sensing unit 140 that the angle at which the foldabledevice 100 is unfolded is increased as the controller 180 is graduallyunfolded, the controller 180 may expand a range of the partial area(i.e., “the floating display area”) that is activated, from within themain display area. For example, as shown in view (c) of FIG. 7, thecontroller 180 may expand a range of the floating display area a2 thatstarts from a boundary between the edge display area a1 and the maindisplay area a3.

Referring to view (d) of FIG. 7, if it is determined that an angle atwhich the foldable device 100 is unfolded is greater than apredetermined third angle (for example, 70°<θ), the controller 180 mayactivate the entirety of the main display area a3 that includes thefloating display area a2.

Then, the controller 180 may display a wallpaper or an applicationexecution screen as one area on the whole main display area a3 thatincludes the floating display area a2.

Additionally, if the whole main display area a3 of the foldable device100 is activated, the controller 180 may display the main display areaa3 so that the floating display area a2 may be distinguished from aremaining area of the main display area a3 which is outside of thefloating display area a2, based on an execution area of an application.For example, if a video playback application is executed, the controller180 may display an interface for controlling video playback on thefloating display area a2, and a video clip that is being played on aremaining area of the main display area a3 outside of the floatingdisplay a2.

FIGS. 8A, 8B, 8C, 9A, 9B, 9C, 10A, 10B, 11A, and 11B illustrate examplesof displaying content based on a range of the floating display area a2.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the controller 180 displayscontent on the edge display area a1 and displays detailed content,related to the content displayed on the edge display area a1, on anactivated partial area (the floating display area a2) of the maindisplay area a3.

For example, if content displayed on the edge display area a1 is a titleof a message, detailed content displayed on the floating display area a2may be a description of the message. Additionally, if content displayedon the edge display area a1 is a title that relates to music that isbeing played, detailed content displayed on the floating display area a2may be an image related to the music that is being played, detailedinformation about the music that is being played, and/or the like.

Referring to FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 8C, as the foldable device 100 isunfolded from a state of being folded, the controller 180 may expand arange of the floating display area a2. Additionally, the controller 180may adjust a type of content that is to be displayed on the floatingdisplay area a2, based on a range of the floating display area a2.

For example, referring to FIG. 8A, if the foldable device 100 displayscontent that includes a title, description, and an image on the flexibledisplay unit 115 in accordance with an execution of a memo application,when the foldable device 100 is folded, the controller 180 may displayonly the title on the edge display area a1.

Referring to FIG. 8B, if an angle at which the foldable device 100 isunfolded is greater than or equal to a certain angle, the controller 180may activate the floating display area a2, and display the descriptionon the floating display area a2.

Additionally, as shown in FIG. 8C, as an angle at which the foldabledevice 100 is unfolded is increased, the controller 180 may expand arange of the floating display area a2. Accordingly, the controller 180may further display an image on the floating display area a2.

In particular, as a range of the floating display area a2 is expanded,the controller 180 may determine a type of content that is to bedisplayed on the floating display area a2. Referring to FIGS. 9A, 9B,and 9C, if the foldable device 100 is unfolded from a state of beingfolded, the controller 180 may expand a range of the floating displayarea a2, and adjust an amount of content that is to be displayed on thefloating display area a2.

For example, referring to FIG. 9A, if the foldable device 100 displays alist of messages in correspondence with an execution of a messageapplication, when the foldable device 100 is folded, the controller 180may display one message in the list of the messages on the edge displayarea a1.

When the foldable device 100 is folded, if an event of message receptionis generated, the controller 180 may activate the edge display area a1,and display a title or a part of a description that relates to thereceived message.

Referring to FIG. 9B, if an angle at which the foldable device 100 isunfolded is greater than or equal to a predetermined angle, thecontroller 180 may activate the floating display area a2, and displayanother message from within the list of the messages on the floatingdisplay area a2.

According to an another exemplary embodiment, if an angle at which thefoldable device 100 is unfolded is greater than or equal to apredetermined angle, the controller 180 may activate the floatingdisplay area a2, and further display a remaining description of themessage displayed on the edge display area a1.

Additionally, as shown in FIG. 9C, as an angle at which the foldabledevice 100 is unfolded is increased, the controller 180 may expand arange of the floating display area a2. Accordingly, the controller 180may further display another message from within the list of the messageson the floating display area a2.

In this aspect, as the controller 180 expands a range of the floatingdisplay area a2, the controller 180 may increase an amount of contentthat is to be displayed on the floating display area a2.

Referring to FIGS. 10A and 10B, as the foldable device 100 is unfolded,the controller 180 may expand a range of the floating display area a2,and adjust an attribute of content that is to be displayed on thefloating display area a2.

For example, referring to FIG. 10A, when the foldable device 100displays an interface related to music playback on the flexible displayunit 115 in accordance with an execution of a music playbackapplication, if the foldable device 100 is in a state of being unfoldedat a predetermined angle or a lesser angle, the controller 180 maydisplay only a music playback control area on the edge display area a1.

Referring to FIG. 10B, if an angle at which the foldable device 100 isunfolded is greater than or equal to a predetermined angle as an angleat which the foldable device 100 is unfolded is increased, thecontroller 180 may activate the floating display area a2, and display animage related to a music playback list on the floating display area a2.

Referring to FIGS. 11A and 11B, as the foldable device 100 is unfolded,the controller 180 may expand a range of the floating display area a2and adjust a number of pieces of content that is to be displayed on thefloating display area a2.

For example, referring to FIG. 11A, when the foldable device 100displays an icon that corresponds to an application, if the foldabledevice 100 is in a state of being folded at a predetermined angle or alesser angle, the controller 180 may display only a predetermined numberof icons on the edge display area a1.

Referring to FIG. 11B, as an angle at which the foldable device 100 isunfolded is increased, if the angle at which the foldable device 100 isunfolded is greater than or equal to a certain angle, the controller 180may activate the floating display area a2 and further display additionalicons that correspond to the application on the floating display areaa2.

FIGS. 12A, 12B, 13A, 13B, and 13C illustrate diagrams for explaining anexample of displaying an edge display area as an angle at which thefoldable device is unfolded is increased, according to an exemplaryembodiment.

Referring to FIG. 12A and FIG. 12B, as the foldable device 100 isunfolded from a state of being folded, the controller 180 may activatean edge display area a1-1.

For example, referring to FIG. 12A, as an event is generated, when thefoldable device 100 displays details regarding the generated event, ifthe foldable device 100 is in a state of being folded, the controller180 may display an event in an event list on the edge display area a1.The details about the event may include an indication of an unidentifiedmessage, an indication of a missed call, or the like.

Referring to FIG. 12B, if an angle at which the foldable device 100 isunfolded is greater than or equal to a predetermined angle, thecontroller 180 may activate another edge display area a1-1, and displayanother event in the event list on the edge display area a1-1.

In this aspect, as the foldable device 100 is unfolded, the controller180 may increase an activated edge display area to include the edgedisplay areas a1 and a1-1 by activating the edge display area a1-1.

FIGS. 13A, 13B, and 13C illustrate an example of displaying the edgedisplay areas a1 and a1-1 as the foldable device 100 is unfolded from astate of being folded.

As shown in FIGS. 13A, 13B, and 13C, as the foldable device 100 isunfolded, the controller 180 may provide an interface for showing ananimation effect on each of the edge display areas a1 and a1-1.

FIG. 14 illustrates a flowchart of a method for controlling a floatingdisplay area based on a direction in which a user views the foldabledevice 100, according to an exemplary embodiment. FIGS. 15A, 15B, and15C illustrate diagrams for explaining a method for controlling thefloating display area a2 based on a direction in which a user views thefoldable device 100, according to an exemplary embodiment.

In operation S301 as illustrated in FIG. 14, the controller 180 includedin the foldable device 100 may sense a direction in which a user viewsthe foldable device 100. For example, the foldable device 100 may sensea direction in which a user views the foldable device 100 via the cameraunit 172 or the sensing unit 140.

In operation S302 as illustrated in FIG. 14, the controller 180 includedin the foldable device 100 may determine a location from which a partialarea that is activated (i.e., a “floating display area”), from withinthe main display area, starts, based on the sensed direction in whichthe user views the foldable device 100.

Referring to FIG. 15A, if the foldable device 100 is placed in alengthwise direction, and an upper surface of the foldable device 100 isopen and unfolded, the floating display area a2 may start from aboundary between the first edge display area a1 and the main displayarea a3.

In particular, the floating display area a2 may be generated in alocation that may be easily viewed by a user according to a direction inwhich the user views the foldable device 100.

Referring to FIG. 15B, if the foldable device 100 is placed in alongitudinal direction, and a right surface of the foldable device 100is open and unfolded, the floating display area a2 may start from aboundary between the first edge display area a1 and the main displayarea a3.

Referring to FIG. 15C, if the foldable device 100 is placed in alongitudinal direction, and a left surface of the foldable device 100 isopen and unfolded, the floating display area a2 may start from aboundary between a second edge display area a1-1 and the main displayarea a3.

FIG. 16 illustrates a flowchart of a method for controlling an edgedisplay area based on a direction in which a user views the foldabledevice 100, according to an exemplary embodiment. FIGS. 17A, 17B, and17C illustrate diagrams for explaining a method for controlling edgedisplay areas based on a direction in a user views the foldable device100, according to an exemplary embodiment.

According to an exemplary embodiment, if the flexible display unit 115includes a plurality of edge display areas, the controller 180 maydetermine at least one edge display area that is to be activated,selected from the group consisting of the plurality of edge displayareas, based on an angle at which the foldable device 100 is inclined ina state of being folded and a direction in which a user views thefoldable device 100.

In operation S401 as illustrated in FIG. 16, the controller 180 includedin the foldable device 100 may sense an angle at which the foldabledevice 100 is inclined in a state of being folded.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the controller 180 included in thefoldable device 100 may sense an angle at which the foldable device 100is inclined in a state of being folded, via the sensing unit 140 thatincludes the magnetic sensor 141, the acceleration sensor 142, thegyroscope sensor 145, or the like.

In operation S402 as illustrated in FIG. 16, the controller 180 includedin the foldable device 100 may sense a direction in which a user viewsthe foldable device 100. For example, the foldable device 100 may sensea direction in which a user views the foldable device 100 via the cameraunit 162 or the sensing unit 140.

In operation S403 as illustrated in FIG. 16, the controller 180 includedin the foldable device 100 may determine at least one edge display areathat is to be activated, selected from the group consisting of aplurality of edge display areas, based on the sensed angle at which thefoldable device 100 is inclined and the sensed direction in which theuser views the foldable device 100.

As shown in FIG. 17A, if the foldable device 100 is inclined in a stateof being folded, the controller 180 may activate the first edge displayarea a1 that is located at a lower part of the foldable device 100 anddisplay content on the first edge display area a1, based on a directionin which the user views the foldable device 100.

Additionally, as shown in FIG. 17B, if the foldable device 100 isinclined in a state of being folded, the controller 180 may activate asecond edge display area a1-2 that is located at an upper part of thefoldable device 100 and display content on the second edge display areaa1-2, based on a direction in which the user views the foldable device100.

Additionally, as shown in FIG. 17C, when the foldable device 100 is in astate of being folded, if a user's eye level corresponds to a level ofedge display areas, the controller 180 may activate intermediate areas(for example, a1-3 or a1-4) of the first and second edge display areasa1 and a1-2 so that the intermediate areas a1-3 or a1-4 are respectivelyviewed as one area, and display content on the intermediate areas (forexample, a1-3 and/or a1-4).

FIGS. 18A and 18B illustrate diagrams for explaining a method ofcontrolling an edge display area based on a direction in which thefoldable device 100 faces, according to an exemplary embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 18A, if the foldable device 100 is unfolded from astate of being folded when the foldable device 100 is placed in alengthwise direction, the foldable device 100 may be unfolded in alongitudinal direction with reference to a direction in which a userviews the foldable device 100. Accordingly, if the foldable device 100is placed in a lengthwise direction in a state of being folded, thecontroller 180 may display an icon that corresponds to an applicationthat is appropriate to be executed in the longitudinal direction whenthe foldable device 100 is unfolded. For example, the controller 180 maydisplay icons i1, i2, and i3, which respectively correspond to a phoneapplication, a message application, and a note application.

Additionally, the controller 180 may display an icon that corresponds toan application that has been executed several times when the foldabledevice 100 is unfolded in a longitudinal direction.

Referring to FIG. 18B, if the foldable device 100 is unfolded from astate of being folded in a longitudinal direction, the foldable device100 may be unfolded in a longitudinal direction with reference to adirection in which a user views the foldable device 100. Accordingly, ifthe foldable device 100 is placed in a longitudinal direction in a stateof being folded, the controller 180 may display an icon that correspondsto an application that is appropriate to be executed in the lengthwisedirection when the foldable device 100 is unfolded. For example, thecontroller 180 may display icons i4, i5, and i6, which respectivelycorrespond to a video playback application, a digital multimediabroadcasting (DMB) application, and an electronic book application.

Additionally, the controller 180 may display an icon that corresponds toan application that has been executed several times when the foldabledevice 100 is unfolded in a lengthwise direction.

FIGS. 19A, 19B, and 20 illustrate diagrams for explaining an example oftouch recognition in an edge display area, according to an exemplaryembodiment.

As shown in FIG. 19A, when the foldable device 100 is in a state ofbeing unfolded, the controller 180 may turn off a touch recognitionfunction with respect to the edge display area a1. This is to prevent amalfunction of the foldable device 100 such that, when a user is holdingthe foldable device 100, a finger f11 of the user is misunderstood as atouch input to the edge display area a1 regardless of an intention ofthe user.

As shown in FIG. 19B, if the foldable device 100 is folded from a stateof being unfolded, the controller 180 may turn on the touch recognitionfunction with respect to the edge display area a1. This is to receive aninput signal for operating a certain function of the foldable device100, by receiving a user input of touching the edge display area a1 byusing a finger f12 of a user.

FIG. 20 illustrates a diagram for explaining an example of controllingtouch recognition when a plurality of edge display areas a1 and a1-1 arepresent.

As shown in the top portion of FIG. 20, when the foldable device 100 isin a state of being unfolded, the controller 180 may turn on a touchrecognition function with respect to the edge display areas a1 and a1-1.In particular, the device 100 may receive an input signal for operatinga function of the foldable device 100, by receiving a user input oftouching the edge display areas a1 and a1-1 by using fingers f21 and f22of a user.

As shown in the bottom portion of FIG. 20, if the foldable device 100 isfolded from a state of being unfolded, the controller 180 may perform acalibration process so as to increase an accuracy of touch recognitionwith respect to the plurality of edge display areas a1 and a1-1. Forexample, the controller 180 may recognize only a touch input withrespect to a relatively larger touched area from among touch inputs withrespect to the plurality of edge display areas a1 and a1-1 as being avalid touch input.

Referring to the bottom portion of FIG. 20, in the case of a first touchinput t1, since a touched part t-1 of the first edge display area a1 islarger than a touched part t1-2 of the second edge display area a1-1,the controller 180 may determine that a touch input to the first edgedisplay area a1 is received.

Additionally, in the case of a second touch input t2, since a touchedpart t2-2 of the second edge display area a1-1 is larger than a touchedpart t2-1 of the first edge display area a1, the controller 180 maydetermine that a touch input to the second edge display area a1-1 isreceived.

FIG. 21 illustrates a diagram for explaining an example of the foldabledevice 100 in which a foldable cover 300 is equipped, according to anexemplary embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 21, a foldable cover 300 for covering the flexibledisplay unit 115 may be equipped in the foldable device 100. A pluralityof magnets m1, m2, and m3 may be attached to an area in which thefoldable cover 300 contacts the flexible display unit 115 when thefoldable cover 300 covers the flexible display unit 115. The foldabledevice 100 may determine an area of the flexible display unit 115 whichis covered by the foldable cover 300, by sensing a location and a numberof magnets that contact the flexible display unit 115.

As shown in a top portion of FIG. 21, as the foldable cover 300 isopened from a state of being closed, the foldable device 100 mayactivate an edge display area b1 of the flexible display unit 115.

Additionally, referring to a center portion of FIG. 21, as the foldablecover 300 is opened in correspondence with a predetermined area, thefoldable device 100 may activate the floating display area b2 of theflexible display unit 115.

Additionally, as shown in a bottom portion of FIG. 21, as the foldablecover 300 is opened at maximum, the foldable device 100 may activate awhole area of the main display area b3 that includes the floatingdisplay area b2 of the flexible display unit 115.

FIGS. 22A, 22B, and 23 illustrate diagrams for explaining an example ofperforming displaying on the flexible display unit 115, based on agesture that relates to unfolding the foldable device 100.

As shown in FIG. 22A, a user may unfold the foldable device 100 whilethe user touches an icon i20, from among icons displayed on the edgedisplay area a1, by using a finger or thumb f31. In this case, as shownin FIG. 22B, an execution screen that relates to an application whichcorresponds to the icon i20 touched by the user may be displayed on theflexible display unit 115.

FIG. 23 illustrates examples of executing different modes from eachother based on a touch gesture performed when the foldable device 100 isunfolded.

As shown in a leftmost portion of FIG. 23, when the foldable device 100is in a state of being folded, if a user holds both edge display areasa1 and a1-1 and unfolds the foldable device 100 by using both hands ofthe user while performing a gesture input in a direction d1 with a lefthand and not performing a gesture input in a direction d2 with a righthand, a wallpaper in a general mode may be displayed on the flexibledisplay unit 115.

Additionally, as shown in a center portion of FIG. 23, when the foldabledevice 100 is in a state of being folded, if a user holds both edgedisplay areas a1 and a1-1 and unfolds the foldable device 100 whileperforming a gesture input in directions d3 and d4, a wallpaper in achildren's mode may be displayed on the flexible display unit 115.

Additionally, as shown in a rightmost portion of FIG. 23, when thefoldable device 100 is in a state of being folded, if a user holds bothedge display areas a1 and a1-1 and unfolds the foldable device 100 whileperforming a gesture input in directions d5 and d6, a wallpaper in abusiness mode may be displayed on the flexible display unit 115.

FIGS. 24A, 24B, and 25 illustrate diagrams for explaining an example ofunlocking the flexible display unit 115 based on a gesture that relatesto unfolding the foldable device 100.

As shown in FIG. 24A, user icons which respectively correspond to aplurality of users may be displayed on the first edge display area a1.Number icons for inputting a password may be displayed on the secondedge display area a2.

For example, a user may unfold the foldable device 100 while touching auser icon i30 and a number icon i31 respectively by using fingers f41and f42. If the foldable device 100 determines that the user icon i30and the number icon i31 which are selected by a touch input correspondto each other, the foldable device 100 may release a locked state of thefoldable device 100 and display a wallpaper on the flexible display unit115, as illustrated in FIG. 24B.

FIG. 25 illustrates diagrams for explaining an example of inputting apassword.

As shown in leftmost drawing (a) of FIG. 25, if a predetermined passwordfor releasing a locked state of the foldable device 100 is 2-5-3, when atouch gesture of moving a finger in a direction from a number icon 2 toa number icon 5 which are displayed the edge display area a1-1, andthen, a touch gesture of moving the finger in a direction from thenumber icon 5 to a number icon 3 displayed on the edge display area a1-1are performed, the foldable device 100 is unfolded, and thus, the lockedstate of the foldable device 100 may be released.

Additionally, as shown in drawings (b-1), (b-2), (b-3), and (b-4) ofFIG. 25, the foldable device 100 may sequentially provide expectednumber icons to the edge display area a1-1 so that an input of apassword for releasing a lock state of the foldable device 100 isfacilitated.

For example, drawings (b-1), (b-2), (b-3), and (b-4) of FIG. 25illustrate a method for inputting a password when a predeterminedpassword for releasing a locked state of the foldable device 100 is3-8-1-5.

As shown in drawing (b-1) of FIG. 25, number icons 3, 4, and 5 may besequentially displayed on the edge display area a1-1. If the foldabledevice 100 receives a touch gesture input of moving a user's finger inan upward direction so as to select the number 3, the foldable device100 may provide number icons 7, 8, and 9 so that a next number in thepassword is input (as shown in drawing (b-2) of FIG. 25).

Then, the foldable device 100 may receive a tap input of selecting anumber icon 8. Additionally, as illustrated in drawing (b-3) of FIG. 25,the foldable device 100 may receive a tap input of selecting a numbericon 1. Then, as illustrated in drawing (b-4) of FIG. 25, the foldabledevice 100 may receive a touch gesture input of moving a finger in adownward direction so as to select the number icon 5. In this aspect, ifthe number icons 3-8-1-5 in the predetermined password are sequentiallyinput, the locked state of the foldable device 100 may be released.

It may be understood that the exemplary embodiments described hereinshould be considered in a descriptive sense only and not for purposes oflimitation. Additionally, the exemplary embodiments are not limited tosequences of operations provided in the flowcharts described withreference to FIGS. 4, 5, 14, and 16. It will be further understood thatsome operations may not be included, and additional operations may befurther included, according to exemplary embodiments.

One or more exemplary embodiments can be embodied in the form of arecording medium containing commands which are implementable by acomputer, such as, for example, a program module executed by a computer.The computer-readable medium may be any available medium accessible by acomputer and includes any of volatile and non-volatile mediums andseparable and non-separable mediums. Furthermore, the computer readablemedium may include all of computer storage mediums and communicationmediums. The computer storage medium includes any of a volatile and anon-volatile medium and a separable and a non-separable medium embodiedby any method or technology for storing information such as acomputer-readable command, a data structure, a program module or otherdata. The communication medium includes any of a computer readablecommand, a data structure, a program module or other data of a modulateddata signal, or other transmission mechanisms, and includes anyinformation transmission medium.

Additionally, a “unit” described herein may include a hardwarecomponent, such as a processor or a circuit, and/or a software componentexecuted by a hardware component such as a processor.

It should be understood that exemplary embodiments described hereinshould be considered in a descriptive sense only and not for purposes oflimitation. Descriptions of features or aspects within each exemplaryembodiment should typically be considered as available for other similarfeatures or aspects in other exemplary embodiments. For example, eachcomponent described in a singular form may be executed in a distributedform. Likewise, components described in a distributed form may beexecuted in a combined form.

While one or more exemplary embodiments have been described withreference to the figures, it will be understood by those of ordinaryskill in the art that various changes in form and details may be madetherein without departing from the spirit and scope of the presentinventive concept as defined by the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A foldable device comprising: a flexible displaycomprising a main display area and an edge display area; and acontroller configured to determine, based on an angle at which thefoldable device is unfolded, a range of a partial activation area of themain display area, wherein the range of the partial activation area ispartially bounded by a boundary between the edge display area and themain display area.
 2. The foldable device of claim 1, wherein thecontroller is further configured to activate the edge display area inresponse to the angle at which the foldable device is unfolded beinggreater than or equal to a predetermined first angle with respect to astate of being folded, to activate a portion of the main display area inresponse to the angle at which the foldable device is unfolded beinggreater than or equal to a predetermined second angle, and to expand arange of the activated portion of the main display area, in response tothe angle at which the foldable device is unfolded being increased. 3.The foldable device of claim 2, wherein the controller is furtherconfigured to display first content on the edge display area and todisplay detailed content, the detailed content being related to thefirst content, on the activated portion of the main display area.
 4. Thefoldable device of claim 1, wherein the controller is further configuredto adjust at least one from among a type, an amount, and an attribute ofcontent that is to be displayed on the activated portion of the maindisplay area, based on the range of the partial activation area of themain display area.
 5. The foldable device of claim 1, wherein thecontroller is further configured to activate an entirety of the maindisplay area when the angle at which the foldable device is unfolded isgreater than or equal to a predetermined third angle.
 6. The foldabledevice of claim 1, wherein the flexible display further comprises aplurality of edge display areas, and the controller is furtherconfigured to determine a location from which an activated portion ofthe main display area starts, based on a direction in which a user viewsthe foldable device.
 7. The foldable device of claim 1, wherein theflexible display further comprises a plurality of edge display areas,and the controller is further configured to determine at least one edgedisplay area that is to be activated from among the plurality of edgedisplay areas, based on an angle at which the foldable device isinclined while in a state of being folded and a direction in which auser views the foldable device.
 8. The foldable device of claim 1,wherein the controller is further configured to activate the edgedisplay area in response to at least one of a message reception, a callreception, and an alarm being generated.
 9. The foldable device of claim1, wherein the edge display area includes a display area that is exposedto an outside while the foldable device is folded.
 10. A method forcontrolling a foldable device that comprises a flexible displaycomprising a main display area and an edge display area, the methodcomprising: sensing an angle at which the foldable device is unfolded;and determining a range of a partial activation area of the main displayarea, which is activated and is partially bounded by a boundary betweenthe edge display area and the main display area, based on the sensedangle at which the foldable device is unfolded.
 11. The method of claim10, further comprising: activating the edge display area in response tothe sensed angle at which the foldable device is unfolded being greaterthan or equal to a predetermined first angle with respect to a state ofbeing folded; activating a portion of the main display area in responseto the sensed angle at which the foldable device is unfolded beinggreater than or equal to a predetermined second angle; and expanding arange of the activated portion of the main display area, in response tothe sensed angle at which the foldable device is unfolded beingincreased.
 12. The method of claim 11, further comprising: displayingfirst content on the edge display area; and displaying detailed content,the detailed content being related to the first content, on theactivated portion of the main display area.
 13. The method of claim 10,wherein the determining the range of the activated portion of the maindisplay area comprises adjusting at least one from among a type, anamount, and an attribute of content that is to be displayed on theactivated portion, based on the range of the partial activation area.14. The method of claim 10, further comprising activating an entirety ofthe main display area in response to the sensed angle at which thefoldable device is unfolded being greater than or equal to apredetermined third angle.
 15. The method of claim 10, wherein theflexible display further comprises a plurality of edge display areas,and the determining the range of the partial activation area of the maindisplay area comprises determining a location from which an activatedportion of the main display area starts, based on a direction in which auser views the foldable device.
 16. The method of claim 10, the displayfurther comprises a plurality of edge display areas, and the methodfurther comprises determining at least one edge display area that is tobe activated, from among the plurality of edge display areas, based onan angle at which the foldable device is inclined while in a state ofbeing folded and a direction in which a user views the foldable device.17. The method of claim 10, further comprising activating the edgedisplay area in response to at least one of a message reception, a callreception, and an alarm being generated.
 18. The method of claim 10,wherein the edge display area includes a display area that is exposed toan outside while the foldable device is folded.